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'{{This|the city in Spain|Valencia (disambiguation)}} {{Refimprove|date=June 2008}} {{Spanish city | official_name=València<br /><small>Valencia</small>| native_name = València| spanish_name = Valencia | image_skyline = Cortesgloop2 copy.jpg| image_skyline_size = 265px| image_skyline_caption = ''Skyline of Valencia''| image_flag = Flag_of_the_Land_of_Valencia_(official).svg| image_flag_size = 150 px| image_coat_of_arms = Escudo_de_Valencia_2.svg| image_coat_of_arms_size = 100px| image_city_map = Valencia, Spain - location.png| image_city_map_size = 150px| image_city_map_caption = | lat_long = {{coord|39|29|0|N|0|22|0|W|}}| time_zone = CET (GMT +1)| time_zone_summer = CEST (GMT +2)| founded = 137 BC | native_language = Valencian| community = Valencia| community_link = Valencian Community| province = Valencia| province_link = Valencia (province)| comarca = | comarca_link = | divisions = 16| neighborhoods = 70| mayor = Rita Barberá Nolla| political_party = PP| political_party_link = People's Party (Spain)| area = 134.65| altitude = 15| population = 810,064 (City)<br><small>1,583,331 (Metropolitan area)</small>| date-population = 2008| population-ranking = 3rd| density = 6,016| date-density = 2008| website = http://www.valencia.es| postal_code = 46000-46080| area_code = | }} '''Valencia''' (in [[Valencian]]: '''València''') is the capital of the [[Valencia (autonomous community)|autonomous community of Valencia]] and its [[Valencia (province)|province]]. It is the third largest city in Spain and the 21st largest in the [[European Union]]. It forms part of an industrial area on the [[Costa del Azahar]]. The estimated population of the city of Valencia proper was 810,064<ref>http://www.ine.es</ref> as of 2008 official statistics. The population of the [[metropolitan area]] was 1,583,331 (865&nbsp;km²). Including the satellite urban area of [[Sagunto]], the total population of the extended region was 1,705,742 (1,161&nbsp;km²).<ref>[http://alarcos.inf-cr.uclm.es/per/fruiz/pobesp/dat/arc/areas-pob.xls Datos de áreas urbanas en 2006] según el proyecto [http://alarcos.inf-cr.uclm.es/per/fruiz/audes5/ AUDES5]</ref> As of 2007, the [[mayor]] of Valencia is [[Rita Barberá Nolla]]. Its main festival, the [[Falles|Fallas]] (Falles in Valencian) have a reputation throughout Spain, while the worldwide famous Spanish plate [[paella]] originated around Valencia. The city contains a dense monumental heritage (including the [[Llotja de la Seda|Lonja de la Seda]] ([[World Heritage Site]] since 1996), but its landmark is undoubtedly the [[City of Arts and Sciences]] an avant-garde and futuristic museum complex. == Name == The original [[Latin language|Latin]] name of the city was ''{{lang|la|Valentia}}'' (/wa'lentia/), meaning "strength", "valour", the city being named for the roman practice of recognizing the valour of former Roman soldiers after a war. The Roman historian Titus Livius (Livy) explains that the foundation of Valentia in the 2nd century BC was due to the settling of the Roman soldiers who fought against Iberian local rebel Viriatus. During the rule of the Muslim Empires in Spain, it was known as {{lang|ar|بلنسية}} ''Balansiya'') in [[Arabic language|Arabic]]. By regular sound changes this has become ''Valencia'' (/ba'lenθja/) in [[Spanish language|Spanish]] <ref>''NB'': NOT pronounced with a [v]; see [[Spanish phonology]]</ref> and ''València'' (/va'ɫɛnsia/) in [[Valencian language|Valencian/Catalan]]. The Valencian pronunciation in the local dialect (in Valencian) is /ba'ɫensia/. == History == {{Unreferencedsection|date=June 2008}} [[Image:Miguelete.jpg|thumb|230 ppx|Cathedral Tower : the belltower El Micalet]] The city of Valencia, is in the province known in ancient days as ''Edetania''. The Roman historian [[Florus]] says that [[Junius Brutus]], transferred there (140 BC) the soldiers who had fought under him. Later it was a Roman military colony. In punishment for its adherence to [[Sertorius]] it was destroyed by [[Pompey]], but was later rebuilt, and [[Pomponius Mela]] says that it was one of the principal cities of [[Tarraconensis]] province. The city was founded by the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] in 137 BC on the site of a former [[Iberians|Iberian]] town, by the river [[Turia River|Turia]]. The city has been occupied by the [[Visigoths]], [[Moors]], and the [[Crown of Aragon|Aragonese]]. The Moors occupied the territory peacefully in 714 A.D. When Islamic culture settled in, Valencia – then Balansiya – prospered thanks to a booming trade in paper, silk, leather, ceramics, glass and silver-work. The architectural legacy from this period is abundant in Valencia and can still be appreciated today in the remains of the old walls, the Baños del Almirante bath house, Portal de Valldigna street and even the Cathedral and the tower, El Micalet, which was the minaret of the old mosque. After the death of [[Al-Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir|Almanzor]] and the unrest that followed [[El Cid|'the Cid']] conquered Valencia for the short period of [[15 June]] [[1094]] – July 1099. He turned nine mosques into churches, and installed the French monk Jérôme as bishop (this victory was immortalised in the [[Lay of the Cid]]). On the death of the Cid (July 1099), his wife, Doña Ximena, retained power for two years, when Valencia was besieged by the Almoravids, and the city returned to the [[Almoravids]] in 1102. Although the 'Emperor of Spain' Alfonso drove them from the city, he was not strong enough to hold it. The Christians set fire to it, abandoned it, and the Almoravid Masdali took possession of it on [[5 May]] [[1109]]. The event was commemorated in a poem by [[Ibn Khafaja]] in which he thanked [[Yusuf ibn Tashfin]] for the liberation of the city. The [[Almoravid dynasty|Almoravid]] and the [[Almohad dynasty]] would rule Valencia for more than a century. In 1238 King [[James I of Aragon]] the Conqueror, with an army composed of French, English, Germans, and Italians, laid siege to Valencia, and on [[28 September]] in that same year forced a surrender. 50,000 Moors were forced to leave. Poets like [[Ibn al-Abbar]] and [[Ibn Amira]] mourned their exile from their beloved Valencia. On [[9 October]] King James, followed by his retinue and army, took possession. The principal mosque was purified, Mass was celebrated, and the "Te Deum" sung. James incorporated city and territory into the new formed [[Kingdom of Valencia]], one of the kingdoms forming the [[Crown of Aragon]] and populate the new Kingdom with Catalan people on the coast and Aragon people on the interior. Catholic sources state that Saint [[Vincent Ferrer]] preached so successfully (sometime between 1390 and 1411), converting thousands of [[Jews]], that he was permitted to employ the synagogue for his newly-founded hospital of San Salvador. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Valencia was one of the major cities in the [[Mediterranean]]. The writer [[Joanot Martorell]], author of ''[[Tirant lo Blanch]]'', and the poet [[Ausias March]] are famous Valencians of that era. The first printing press in the Iberian Peninsula was located in Valencia. The first printed Bible in a Romance language, [[Valencian language|Valencian]], was printed in Valencia circa 1478, attributed to Bonifaci Ferrer. See [[Spread of the printing press]]. Valencian bankers loaned funds to [[Isabella of Castile|Queen Isabella]] for [[Christopher Columbus|Columbus]]' trip in 1492. [[Image:ValenciaSt.jpg|thumb|A narrow street of the Old Medieval City.]] In 1519–1522 the ''[[Revolta de les Germanies|Guilds revolts]]'' took place. in 1609, the ''[[Morisco]]s'' were expelled from the city. During the [[War of the Spanish Succession]], Valencia sided with Charles of Austria. On [[24 January]] [[1706]], [[Charles Mordaunt, 3rd Earl of Peterborough, 1st Earl of Monmouth]], led a handful of English cavalrymen into the city after riding south from Barcelona, capturing the nearby fortress at Sagunt, and bluffing the Spanish Bourbon army into withdrawal. The English held the city for 16 months and defeated several attempts to expel them. English soldiers advanced as far as Requena on the road to Madrid. After the victory of the Bourbons at the [[Battle of Almansa]] ([[25 April]] [[1707]]), the English army evacuated Valencia and the city subsequently lost its privileges including important civil rights called ''furs'' by the way the Bourbons decided to burn important cities like Xativa, where actually is still the picture of the Spanish Bourbon turned back as protest. During the [[Peninsular War]] Valencia was besieged by the French under Marshal Suchet from Christmas Day 1811, until it fell on [[January 8]] the next year. The last victim of the [[Spanish Inquisition]], a local schoolteacher called [[Cayetano Ripoll]], was executed in Valencia in July 1826 accused being a [[deist]] and [[freemason]]. During the [[Spanish Civil War]], the capital of the Republic was moved to Valencia, and the city suffered from the blockade and siege by Franco's forces. However, the postwar period was hard for Valencians. During the Franco years, speaking or teaching [[Valencian language|Valencian/Catalan]] was prohibited (in a significant reversal it is now compulsory for every child studying in Valencia). === Modern history === In 1957 the city suffered a severe flood by the Turia River, with {{convert|5|m|ft|0|spell=us}} in some streets. One consequence of this was that a decision was made to drain and reroute the river and it now passes around the Western and southern suburbs of the city. A plan to turn the drained area into a motorway was dropped in favour of a picturesque {{convert|7|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} park which bisects the city. Valencia was granted Autonomous Statutes in 1982. On [[3 July]] [[2006]], just days before a Catholic celebration to be led by Pope Benedict, Valencia was the scene of a [[Valencia subway accident|metro accident]] in which over 40 people died. The investigation is still ongoing. On [[9 July]] [[2006]], during Mass at Valencia's Cathedral, Our Lady of the Forsaken Basilica, Pope [[Benedict XVI]] used, at the World Day of Families, the ''Santo Caliz'', a 1st-century Middle-Eastern artifact believed by many to be the [[Holy Grail]]. It was supposedly brought to that church by Emperor Valerian in the 3rd century, after having been brought from Jerusalem by St. Peter to Rome. The ''Santo Caliz'' ("Holy Chalice") is a simple, small stone cup. Its base was added in medieval times and consists of fine gold, alabaster, and gem stones<ref>[http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0603899.htm About the Santo Caliz (Holy Chalice)]</ref>. Valencia was selected in 2003 to host the historic [[America's Cup]] yacht race becoming the first European city to do so. The [[2007 America's Cup|America's Cup matches]] took place in summer 2007. On [[3 July]] [[2007]], ''Alinghi'' defeated ''Team New Zealand'', and successfully defended the America's Cup. 22 days later, on [[25 July]] [[2007]], the leaders of the [[Alinghi]] syndicate, holder of the [[America's Cup]], officially announced Valencia would be the host city for the 33rd America's Cup, to be carried out on June 2009.<ref>[http://www.americascup.com/en/33rd/news_5.php Announcement of the election as host city for 33rd America's Cup]</ref> == Architecture == {{Unreferenced section|date=May 2008}} The ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen contain buildings dating to [[Roman Empire|Roman]] and [[Al-Andalus|Arabic]] times. The [[Valencia Cathedral|Cathedral]], built between the 13th and 15th century, is primarily of [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style but contains elements of [[baroque architecture|Baroque]] and [[Romanesque architecture]]. Beside the Cathedral is the Gothic [[Basilica]] of the Virgin (Basílica De La Virgen De Los Desamparados). The 15th century ''Serrano'' and ''Quart'' towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding the city. [[UNESCO]] has recognised the Late Gothic silk exchange (''[[La Lonja de la Seda]]'') as a [[World Heritage Site]]. <ref>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/782 La Lonja listing on Unesco site]</ref> The [[modern architecture|modernist]] Central Market (''[[Mercado Central]]'') is one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station ''Estación Del Norte'' is built in [[modernisme]] (the Spanish version of [[Art Nouveau]]) style. World-renowned (and city-born) architect [[Santiago Calatrava]] produced the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (''[[Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències]]''), which contains an opera house/performing arts centre, a science museum, an [[IMAX]] cinema/planetarium, an oceanographic park and other structures such as a long covered walkway and restaurants. Calatrava is also responsible for the bridge named after him in the center of the city. The Music Palace (''[[Palau De La Música]]'') is another good example of modern architecture in Valencia. [[Image:VALENCIA ES Cathedral alabaster windows.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Cathedral of Valencia]] The cathedral was called in the early days of the Reconquista Iglesia Mayor, then Seo (from Latin ''sedes'', i.e. (archiepiscopal) see), and in virtue of the papal concession of 16 October, 1866, it is called the Basilica metropolitana. It is situated in the centre of the ancient Roman city where some believe the temple of Diana stood. In Gothic times, it seems to have been dedicated to the most Holy Saviour; [[the Cid]] dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin; King [[Jaime the Conqueror]] did likewise, leaving in the main chapel the image of the Blessed Virgin which he carried with him and which is believed to be the one which is now preserved in the sacristy. The Moorish mosque, which had been converted into a Christian church by the conqueror, appeared unworthy of the title of the cathedral of Valencia, and in 1262 Bishop Andrés de Albalat laid the cornerstone of the new Gothic building, with three naves; these reach only to the choir of the present building. Bishop Vidal de Blanes built the magnificent chapter hall, and Jaime de Aragón added the tower, called "Miguelete" because it was blessed on St. Michael's day in 1418, which is about {{convert|166|ft|m|0}} high and finished at the top with a [[bell tower|belfry]]. In the fifteenth century the dome was added and the naves extended back of the choir, uniting the building to the tower and forming a main entrance. Archbishop Luis Alfonso de los Cameros began the building of the main chapel in 1674; the walls were decorated with marbles and bronzes in the over-ornate style of that decadent period. At the beginning of the eighteenth century the German Conrad Rudolphus built the façade of the main entrance. The other two doors lead into the transept; one, that of the Apostles in pure pointed Gothic, dates from the fourteenth century, the other is that of the Paláu. The additions made to the back of the cathedral detract from its height. The eighteenth century-restoration rounded the pointed arches, covered the Gothic columns with [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] pillars, and redecorated the walls. The dome has no lantern, its plain ceiling being pierced by two large side windows. There are four chapels on either side, besides that at the end and those that open into the choir, the transept, and the presbyterium. It contains many paintings by eminent artists. A magnificent silver [[reredos]], which was behind the altar, was carried away in the war of 1808, and converted into coin to meet the expenses of the campaign. Behind the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful little [[Renaissance]] chapel built by [[Calixtus III]]. Beside the cathedral is the chapel dedicated to the "Virgen de los desamparados". In 1409, a hospital was founded and placed under the patronage of Santa María de los Inocentes; to this was attached a confraternity devoted to recovering the bodies of the unfriended dead in the city and within a radius of three miles (5&nbsp;km) around it. At the end of the fifteenth century this confraternity separated from the hospital, and continued its work under the name of "Cofradia para el ámparo de los desamparados". King [[Philip IV of Spain]] and the [[Duke of Arcos]] suggested the building of the new chapel, and in 1647 the [[Viceroy]], [[Conde de Orpesa]], who had been preserved from the bubonic plague, insisted on carrying out their project. The Blessed Virgin was proclaimed [[patroness]] of the city under the title of "Virgen de los desamparados" 'Virgin of the abandonees', and Archbishop Pedro de Urbina, on 31 June, 1652, laid the corner-stone of the new chapel of this name. The archiepiscopal palace, a grain market in the time of the Moors, is simple in design, with an inside cloister and a handsome chapel. In 1357 the arch which connects it with the cathedral was built. In the council chamber are preserved the portraits of all the prelates of Valencia.[[Image:Ciudad de las ciencias noche.JPG|right|thumb|260px|The Hemispheric at the [[Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències]] (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) by [[Santiago Calatrava]], Valencia, Spain]] Among the parish churches those deserving special mention are: Saints John (Baptist and Evangelist), rebuilt in 1368, whose dome, decorated by Palonino, contains some of the best frescoes of Spain; El Templo 'the Temple', the ancient church of the [[Knights Templar]], which passed into the hands of the [[Order of Montesa]] and which was rebuilt in the reigns of [[Ferdinand VI]] and [[Charles III of Spain|Charles III]]; the former convent of the [[Dominicans]], at present the headquarters of the "capital general", the cloister of which has a beautiful Gothic wing and the chapter room, large columns imitating palm trees; the Colegio del Corpus Christi, which is devoted to the exclusive worship of the Blessed Sacrament, and in which perpetual adoration is carried on; the [[Jesuit]] college, which was destroyed (1868) by the revolutionary Committee, but rebuilt on the same site; the Colegio de San Juan (also of the Society), the former college of the nobles, now a provincial institute for secondary instruction. == Squares and gardens == [[Image:Valencia City Hall.jpg|left|thumb|230px|Town Hall]] The [[List of city squares by size|largest square]] is the ''[[Plaça de l'Ajuntament]]'', which contains the town hall (ajuntament), a cinema which shows classic movies (La Filmoteca), and many restaurants and bars. This is where the noisy fireworks of the mascletà can be heard every afternoon during the [[Falles|Las Fallas]]. The ''[[Plaça de la Verge]]'' contains the Basilica of the Virgin and the Turia fountain, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Around the corner is the Plaça de la Reina, with the Cathedral, orange trees, and many bars and restaurants. The [[Turia River]] was diverted in the 1960s, after severe flooding, and the old river bed is now the Turia gardens, which contain a children’s playground, a fountain, and sports fields. The Palau de la Música is adjacent to the Turia gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences lies at one end. Other gardens in Valencia include the Real, Monforte, and Botanical gardens. == Famous people born in Valencia and Valencia province == *[[Pope Alexander VI]], Pope from 1492 to 1503. *[[Alfonso III of Aragon|Alfonso III]], King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona (as Alfons II). *[[Guillén de Castro]], famous Spanish writer of the [[Spanish Golden Age]] (1569-1631). *[[Josep Maria Bayarri]], linguist, poet and writer. *[[Vicente Blasco Ibáñez]], Spanish realist novelist writing in Spanish, a screenwriter and occasional film director (1867 – 1928) *[[Nino Bravo]] (birth name, Luis Manuel Ferri Llopis), popular singer (1944-1973) *[[Santiago Calatrava]], internationally recognized and award-winning architect. *[[Larissa Knudson]], internationally recognized special education teacher *[[María Teresa Fernández de la Vega]], Spanish Socialist Workers' Party politician and the first female First Vice President of Spain. *King [[James II of Aragon]]. *[[Joan Lluís Vives]], a scholar and humanist. *King [[Peter III of Aragon]] (Peter the Great). *[[Saint Vincent Ferrer]], Dominican missionary and logician. *[[Joaquin Rodrigo]], Music Composer. *[[Manuel Palau]], Music Composer. == Economy == Valencia has enjoyed strong economic growth over the last decade, much of it spurred by tourism and the construction industry. {{Fact|date=June 2008}} === Port === Valencia’s port is the biggest on the Mediterranean Western coast[http://www.valenciaport.com/cultures/es-ES/], the first of Spain in Container Traffic as 2008[http://www.lasprovincias.es/valencia/20080910/economia/valencia-supera-algeciras-lidera-20080910.html] and the second of Spain[http://www.puertoalgeciras.org/2008/04/resumen-general-del-trafico-portuario.html] in total traffic, handling 20% of Spain’s exports. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/global/spainvalencia/nine.html NY Times, 30 July 2008]</ref> The main exports are food and drink (the Valencian region is famous for its [[Orange (fruit)|oranges]]), furniture, ceramic tiles, fans, textiles and iron products. Valencia’s manufacturing sector focuses on metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, shipbuilding and brewing. Unemployment is lower than the Spanish average. Small and medium sized industries are an important part of the local economy. Following the announcement that the 32nd America's Cup would be held in Valencia in 2007, the port underwent radical changes in which the port was divided into two parts, one part remaining unchanged while the other section would be used exclusively for the America's Cup festivities. The two sections are now divided by a wall that goes deep into the water in an attempt to maintain clean water for the America's Cup side. === Tourism === Formerly an industrial city, Valencia saw rapid development that started in the mid-1990s, expanding its cultural and touristic possibilities, which turned it into a vibrant city, restoring old landmarks like the old Towers of the medieval city (''Serrano'' Towers and ''Quart'' Towers), monasteries like the [[San Miguel de los Reyes monastery]], which now holds a specialized library, the whole ''[[Malvarrosa]]'' beach, with the construction of a {{convert|4|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} long ''paseo'' or complete quarters, like the old Carmen Quarter, which has seen extensive renovation. Another appealing feature of the city is its numerous [[convention centre]]s, like the Valencia Fair (''Feria de Valencia''), the Conference Palace (''Palau de Congressos'') and several 5 star hotels. The city of Valencia and the surrounding area are expected to attract millions of visitors from around the world given that the city of Valencia has been chosen to host the 32nd [[America's Cup]]. The first America's Cup competitions took place in June and July 2005 and were key attractions during the summer of 2005. According to official data from the organizing committee, as many as 150,000 visitors flocked to Valencia's port each day during the two-week events. {{Fact|date=May 2008}} Also, on [[10 May]] [[2007]], [[Bernie Ecclestone]] announced that Valencia will be the host of an [[Valencia Street Circuit|urban circuit]] of [[F1]], beginning in 2008, and on [[1 June]] 2007 the contract was signed in the F1 [[headquarters]]. {{Fact|date=May 2008}} == Demographics == One notable demographic change in Valencia in the last decade has been the growth in the foreign born population which has risen from 1.5% in the year 2000 <ref>[http://www.ayto-valencia.es/ayuntamiento/webs/estadistica/Padron/2001/Pob_estrangera_2001.xls foreign born population in 2001]</ref> to 14.4% in 2008,<ref>[http://www.ayto-valencia.es/ayuntamiento/webs/estadistica/Padron/2008/Pob_estrangera_2008.pdf Foreign born population in 2008, p7]</ref> a trend that has also occurred in the two larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona<ref>[http://www.ayto-valencia.es/ayuntamiento/webs/estadistica/Padron/2007/Pob_estrangera_2007.xls Table 1.1 foreign born population]</ref> The main countries of origin were Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Morocco and Romania.<ref>[http://www.ayto-valencia.es/ayuntamiento/webs/estadistica/Padron/2007/Pob_estrangera_2007.xls Table 1.5 foreign born population 2007]</ref> Between 2007 and 2008 there was a 14% increase in the foreign born population with the largest numeric increases by country being from Bolivia, Romania and Italy. ==Climate== Valencia has a very changeable [[Mediterranean climate]], with hot dry summers, mild humid winters and stormy autumns and springs.<ref>[http://www.oneplanettravel.com/cms/cms/opt/www/pri/contentNavigation/destination.jsp?resource=/opt/contents/place/z_eu/c_es/valencia/destination]Valencian climate, mild.</ref> Its average temperature is 17.8 °C (64 °F). As the chart shows their average values range from 11.5 °C (52.7 °F) January and the 25.5°C (72.5 °F) August. {{Fact|date=August 2008}} The precipitation is 454&nbsp;mm. (~17.87 inches) per year. This is usually intense and concentrated in the Autumn. {{Infobox Weather |metric_first=yes |single_line=yes |location=Valencia |Jan_Hi_°C = 15 |Feb_Hi_°C = 16 |Mar_Hi_°C = 18 |Apr_Hi_°C = 19 |May_Hi_°C = 22 |Jun_Hi_°C = 26 |Jul_Hi_°C = 29 |Aug_Hi_°C = 29 |Sep_Hi_°C = 27 |Oct_Hi_°C = 22 |Nov_Hi_°C = 18 |Dec_Hi_°C = 15 |Year_Hi_°C = 21 |Jan_Lo_°C = 5 |Feb_Lo_°C = 6 |Mar_Lo_°C = 7 |Apr_Lo_°C = 9 |May_Lo_°C = 12 |Jun_Lo_°C = 17 |Jul_Lo_°C = 20 |Aug_Lo_°C = 20 |Sep_Lo_°C = 17 |Oct_Lo_°C = 13 |Nov_Lo_°C = 8 |Dec_Lo_°C = 6 |Year_Lo_°C = 12 |Jan_MEAN_°C = 10 |Feb_MEAN_°C = 11 |Mar_MEAN_°C = 13 |Apr_MEAN_°C = 14 |May_MEAN_°C = 17 |Jun_MEAN_°C = 21 |Jul_MEAN_°C = 24 |Aug_MEAN_°C = 25 |Sep_MEAN_°C = 22 |Oct_MEAN_°C = 18 |Nov_MEAN_°C = 13 |Dec_MEAN_°C = 11 |Year_MEAN_°C = 17 |Jan_Precip_days = 8 |Feb_Precip_days = 9 |Mar_Precip_days = 9 |Apr_Precip_days = 10 |May_Precip_days = 11 |Jun_Precip_days = 8 |Jul_Precip_days = 5 |Aug_Precip_days = 5 |Sep_Precip_days = 6 |Oct_Precip_days = 10 |Nov_Precip_days = 8 |Dec_Precip_days = 9 |Year_Precip_days = 98 |source = Weatherbase<ref name="Weatherbase">{{cite web |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=48280&refer=&units=metric |title=Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Valencia |dateformat=mdy |accessdate=}}</ref> |accessdate = }} City of Valencia observatory Altitude (m): 11; Latitude: 39 28 48; Length: 0 22 52; {| class="wikitable" border="1" |- ! ! JAN ! FEB ! MAR ! APR ! MAY ! JUN ! JUL ! AUG ! SEP ! OCT ! NOV ! DEC ! Total[1] |- ! Temperature | 11.5 | 12.6 | 13.9 | 15.5 | 18.4 | 22.1 | 24.9 | 25.5 | 23.1 | 19.1 | 14.9 | 12.4 | 17.8 |- ! Maximum | 16.1 | 17.2 | 18.7 | 20.2 | 22.8 | 26.2 | 29.1 | 29.6 | 27.6 | 23.6 | 19.5 | 16.8 | 22.3 |- ! Minimum | 7.0 | 7.9 | 9.0 | 10.8 | 14.1 | 17.9 | 20.8 | 21.4 | 18.6 | 14.5 | 10.4 | 8.1 | 13.4 |- ! Precipitacion | 36 | 32 | 35 | 37 | 34 | 23 | 9 | 19 | 51 | 74 | 51 | 52 | 454 |- ! Humidity | 63 | 61 | 61 | 60 | 65 | 65 | 66 | 68 | 67 | 66 | 65 | 65 | 65 |- ! DAYS[3] |- ! Rain | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 44 |- !Snow | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |- ! Storm | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 18 |- !Cloud | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 |- ! Ice | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |- ! Sunshine | 9 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 91 |- ! Hours of sunshine | 169 | 169 | 212 | 229 | 256 | 271 | 314 | 285 | 237 | 201 | 167 | 150 | 2660 |} == Culture == [[Image:Valenciakids.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Children marching to school in Valencia]] Valencia is known for [[Falles|Las Fallas]], which is a famous local festival held in March, for ''[[paella]] valenciana'', traditional Valencian ceramics, intricate traditional dress, and the striking new architecture of the [[Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències|City of Arts and Sciences]] designed by its own son, architect [[Santiago Calatrava]]. La [[Tomatina]], an annual tomato fight, draws crowds to the nearby town of Buñol in August. There are also a number of well preserved Catholic fiestas throughout the year. [[Holy week]] celebrations in Valencia are considered the most colourful in Spain. Valencia has a [[rapid transit|metro]] system, the [[Valencia Metro (Spain)|Valencia Metro]]. Valencia is also famous for its football club [[Valencia C.F.]], which won the [[La Liga|Spanish league]] in 2002 and 2004 (in which year it also won the [[UEFA Cup]]), and was also a [[UEFA Champions League]] runner-up in 2000 and 2001, it is one of the most famous football clubs in Spain and Internationally. Its city rival [[Levante C.F.]] currently plays in the second division. === Languages === The two official languages spoken in the city are [[Valencian]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]]. Due to political and demographic pressure in the past, the predominant language is Spanish, but Valencian is predominant in most of the surrounding [[metropolitan area]] and [[Valencia (province)|province of Valencia]] <ref>[http://www.ive.es/portal/page/portal/IVE_PEGV/CONTENTS/censos/censo2001definitivos/ini_val.htm Institut Valencià d'Estadística]</ref>. In fact the government weakly emphasizes the usage of the local language. It does this, for example, by posting all signs and announcements of the Metro in Valencian and Spanish translations in smaller type underneath. Valencian is also used when naming streets. New street signs, when erected, are always given the Valencian name for street (Carrer). However the older street names bearing the Spanish names are only replaced when necessary. This results in a situation where in longer streets both languages can often be seen on street signs. === Nightlife === Valencia is famous for its vibrant nightlife. In the 1980s and 1990s the town was famous for the so called ''ruta del bakalao''. {{Fact|date=October 2008}} Today, the more alternative/bohemian bars and nightclubs are concentrated in the Carmen, while the student nightlife is found around Blasco Ibáñez and [[Benimaclet]], the more mainstream weekend nightlife has its clusters in the areas of Cánovas and Joan Llorens. In the summer, there is also nightlife on the beach and at the Port. [[Agua de Valencia]] is the city's unofficial cocktail. === Food === Valencia is famous for its wonderful gastronomic culture. [[Paella]] – rice dish that can have fish or meat (chicken and rabbit) –, [[orxata]], [[fartons]], [[buñuelos]], [[Spanish omelette]], [[rosquilletas]] and [[Squid (food)|squid]] (calamares) are some examples of typical Valencian foods. === Museums === [[Image:Palau de les Arts.JPG|thumb|280px|''Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia'']] [[Image:Valencia ES L Hemisferic BIG.jpg|thumb|280px|The IMAX 3D-cinema ''L'Hemisfèric''.]] * [[Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències]] ''City of Arts and Sciences'' *: The City of Arts and Sciences was designed by the Valencian architect [[Santiago Calatrava]]. It is situated in the former Túria river-bed and comprises the following monuments: *:* Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia *:*: A flamboyant opera and music palace with four halls and a total area of 37,000 m². *:*: *:* L'Oceanogràfic *:*: Biggest aquarium in Europe, with a variety of ocean beings from different environments: from the [[Mediterranean]], fishes from the ocean and reef inhabitants, [[shark]]s, [[mackerel]] swarms, [[dolphinarium]], inhabitants of the polar regions ([[Beluga (whale)|belugas]], [[penguin]]s), coast inhabitants ([[sea lion]]s), etc. L'Oceanogràfic exhibits also smaller animals as [[coral]], [[jellyfish]], [[sea anemone]]s, etc. * Museu de Prehistòria de València ''Prehistory Museum of Valencia'' * Museu Valencià d'Etnologia ''[[Valencian Museum of Ethnology]]'' * House Museum [[Vicente Blasco Ibáñez|Blasco Ibáñez]] * IVAM – Institut Valencià d'Art Modern – Centre Julio González ''Julio González Centre – Valencian Institute of Modern Art'' * Museu de Belles Arts "San Pío V" ''Museum of Fine Arts'' * Museu Faller ''[[Falles]] Museum'' * Museu d'Història de València ''Museum of History of Valencia'' * Museu Taurí de València – Bullfighting Museum * MuVIM – Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i la Modernitat ''Valencian Museum of Enlightenment and Modernity'' * Museo Nacional de Cerámica y de las Artes Suntuarias González Martí - '' National Museum of Pottery and Sumptuary Arts González Martí'' == Transportation == Public transport is provided by the [[Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana]] (FGV) which operates the [[Valencia Metro (Spain)|Valencia Metro]] and other rail and bus services. The [[Valencia Airport]] is situated 9&nbsp;km (5.6 miles) west of downtown Valencia. == Districts of Valencia == *CIUTAT VELLA: La Seu, La Xerea, El Carmen, El Pilar, El Mercado, San Francisco. *EXTENSIÓ: Russafa, El Pla del Remei, Gran Via. *EXTRAMURS: El Botànic, La Roqueta, La Pechina, Arrancapins. *CAMPANAR: Campanar, Les Tendetes, El Calvari, Sant Pau. *LA SAÏDIA: Marxalenes, Morvedre, Trinitat, Tormos, Sant Antoni. *PLA DEL REAL: Exposició, Mestalla, Jaume Roig, Ciutat Universitària *OLIVERETA: Nou Moles, Soternes, Tres Forques, La Fontsanta, La Luz. *PATRAIX: [[Patraix]], Sant Isidre, Vara de Quart, Safranar, Favara. *JESUS: La Raiosa, L'Hort de Senabre, The Covered Cross, Saint Marcelino, Real Way. *QUATRE CARRERES: Montolivet, En Corts, [[Malilla]], [[La Font de Sant Lluís]], Na Rovella, La Punta, [[Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències]]. *POBLATS MARÍTIMS: El Grau, El Cabanyal, El Canyameral, La Malva-Rosa, Beteró, Nazaret. *CAMINS DEL GRAU: Aiora, Albors, Creu del Grau, Camí Fondo, Penya-Roja. *ALGIRÒS: Illa Perduda, Ciutat Jardí, Amistat, Vega Baixa, la Carrasca. *BENIMACLET: [[Benimaclet]], Camí de Vera. *RASCANYA: Orriols, Torrefiel, Sant Llorenç. *BENICALAP: Benicalap, Ciutat Fallera. *POBLES DEL NORD: Benifaraig, Poble Nou, Carpesa , Cases de Bàrcena, Mauella, Massarrojos, Borbotó. *POBLES DE L'OEST: Benimàmet, Beniferri. *POBLES DEL SUD: Forn d'Alcedo, Castellar-l'Oliveral, Pinedo, el Saler, el Palmar, el Perellonet, la Torre, == Gallery == <gallery> Image:VALENCIA ES Lonja inside.jpg|The Lonja de la Seda Image:Valenciabasilica.jpg|Basilica Virgen de los Desamparados Image:Valencia01 11-2-03.JPG|The Micalet Image:Pavement with arbour - compressed.jpg|Valencia street, with arbour Image:Valencia ES L Hemisferic BIG.jpg|L'Hemisfèric, a 3-D Cinema Image:Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències - L'Umbracle.jpg|L'Umbracle Image:Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències - El Museu.jpg|Museum Image:ValenciaHemisphere2corr.jpg|The City of Arts and Sciences Image:Falla egipcia plorant.jpg|A [[Falles|falla]] Image:Paella callejera.jpg|A [[paella]] cooked in the street Image:Pontfayw2.jpg|"Pont de l'assut de l'or" bridge and the "Ágora" in construction Image:Passeig de l'Albereda (eixample).jpg|Albereda avenue, Valencia </gallery> ==Twin towns - Sister cities== Valencia is [[town twinning|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.valencia.es/ayuntamiento/rinternacionales_accesible.nsf/vDocumentosTituloAux/D80022569C2533B9C12571F100285E72?OpenDocument&bdOrigen=ayuntamiento%2Frinternacionales_accesible.nsf&idapoyo=&lang=1&nivel=3|title=Municipality of Valencia: ciudades hermanadas con Valencia|accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> {| cellpadding="10" |- valign="top" | * {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Mainz]] in [[Germany]] <small>''(since 4 August 1978 )''</small> * {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Bologna]] in [[Italy]] <small>''(since 29 June 1979)''</small> * {{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Veracruz]] in [[Mexico]] <small>''(since 26 September 1984 )''</small> || || * {{flagicon|USA}} [[Sacramento, California|Sacramento]] in [[United States]] <small>''(since 29 June 1989)''</small> * {{flagicon|Venezuela}} [[Valencia, Venezuela|Valencia]] in [[Venezuela]] <small>''(since 20 March 1982)''</small> * {{flagicon|UKR}} [[Odessa]] in [[Ukraine]] <small>''(since 13 May 1982)''</small> |} == See also == *[[Archdiocese of Valencia]] *[[Benimaclet]] *[[El Cid]] *[[Ibn al-Abbar]] *[[Spanish wine]] *[[Valencia Metro (Spain)]] *[[Valencia Street Circuit]] == References == *{{Catholic}} *{{SmithDGRG}} {{reflist|2}} == External links == {{Commons|Valencia}} * {{wikitravel}} *[http://www.valencia.es/ Official website of the city of Valencia] {{es icon}} {{en icon}} {{ca|icon}} {{fr icon}} *[http://www.muslimheritage.com/topics/default.cfm?ArticleID=456 Website Muslim heritage] history of medieval Valencia *[http://www.turisvalencia.es/ Official tourism website of the city of Valencia] {{es icon}} {{en icon}} {{de icon}} {{fr icon}} {{it icon}} {{ja icon}} {{zh icon}} and in Valencian + easy-access static pages in all eight languages *[[wikitravel:Valencia (city)|Valencia]] on [[Wikitravel]] *[http://www.levante-emv.com.com/ Levante-emv.com] Local Newspaper {{es icon}} *[http://www.extravalencia.com/ Extravalencia.com] An Online Guide to Travel, Learn Spanish and Enjoy Spain Culture in Valencia {{en icon}} {{List of European capitals by region}} {{Comarques of the Valencian Community}} [[Category:Valencia| ]] [[Category:Ancient mints]] [[Category:Coastal settlements]] [[Category:Comarques of the Valencian Community]] [[Category:Municipalities in Valencia]] [[Category:Roman sites in Spain]] [[Category:137 BC establishments]] [[Category:Settlements established in the 2nd century BC]] [[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Spain]] [[Category:Former national capitals]] {{Link FA|af}} [[af:Valencia, Spanje]] [[ar:فالنسيا]] [[an:Balenzia]] [[ast:Valencia]] [[bs:Valencija (grad)]] [[bg:Валенсия]] [[ca:València]] [[cs:Valencia]] [[cy:Valencia]] [[da:Valencia]] [[de:Valencia]] [[et:Valencia]] [[el:Βαλένθια]] [[es:Valencia]] [[eo:Valencio (Hispanio)]] [[eu:Valentzia]] [[fr:Valence (Espagne)]] [[gl:Valencia - 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